Frederic, who partook of his philosophy, and pushed it still further, even to atheism and the contempt of mankind, was the Dionysius of this modern Plato.

Louis XV., whose interest it was to keep up a good understanding with Prussia, dared not to show his anger against a man whom the king considered as his friend.

Voltaire, thus protected by a sceptre, redoubled his audacity.

He put thrones on one side, whilst he affected to make their interests mutual with his own, by pretending to emancipate them from the domination of Rome.

He handed over to kings the civil liberty of the people, provided that they would aid him in acquiring the liberty of consciences.